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Well folks...it's summer in Texas. Time for heat advisories, high energy bills, water restrictions, mosquitoes, angry drivers and hot dogs (both the food group and the canine kind). Heat stroke in Texas dog's can be a serious problem, our furry friends are affected by the heat just like we are. In Texas, where the summers can be scorching, heat stroke is a serious concern for our beloved canine companion.
Dogs and Heat Stroke
Dogs may be great at a lot of things, but when it comes to regulating their body temperature in hot and humid weather, they could use a little help from us humans. Dogs only have a few of ways to cool off: panting, vasodilation (blood vessels expand bringing overheated blood closer to the surface to cool down), and a few sweat glands. Yep, dogs do sweat, but only on the bottom surfaces of paws.
That's not nearly sufficient enough to make a difference in the sweltering Texas summers!
Heat stroke occurs when a dog's body overheats due to excessive heat exposure and is unable to cool down effectively. This most commonly occurs by being left in a hot car or (even for a quick trip to the convenience store), over-doing it in a hot or humid environment, or even just being outside for an extended period of time during the hottest parts of the day. In the Texas heat- that can mean as little as 30 minutes!
All dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion or stroke, but some dogs may be at higher risk to the "dog days of summer".
Long haired breeds (Please don't shave them!! That long coat actually helps with their heat regulation)
Brachycephalic pups (short-nosed dogs like Pugs, Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, Boxers)
Puppies and senior dogs- just let them nap the hot day away inside with the air conditioning.
Overweight dogs
Couch potatoes- that aren't used to a ton of exercise
Dogs with medical conditions: e.g. hypothyroidism, tracheal collapse, Cushing's disease
This is not an exhaustive list of risks for heat stroke and it can happen at anytime. Always check with your vet if you think your dog may be at risk for heat related conditions.
Be aware of the signs
Heat stroke can result in brain damage, organ failure, and death. Now that's pretty serious! The symptoms of heat stroke in dogs increase in severity the longer a dog goes without treatment and the longer they’re exposed to dangerous conditions. Here are a just a few of the signs of heat stroke in dogs:
Excessive panting and drooling
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Bright red or pale gums and tongue
Excessive thirst
Lethargy
Glazed eyes
Vomiting or diarrhea
Lack of coordination, staggering
Weakness or collapse
Seizures or tremors
Unconsciousness
If you notice any of these symptoms or if you suspect your dog has heat stroke, take immediate action! Move your dog to a cool area or air-conditioned spot out of the sun and call your vet ASAP! You can cool them down by applying cool (not cold) water to their body, especially their belly and paws.
An ounce of prevention can go a long way
Our dogs live to please us, and if we ask them to hike, play catch or join us at those summer festivals, they’ll do it with enthusiasm, even on the hottest days. As their guardians, it’s up to us to keep their safety in mind . On hot, humid days, keep your pets indoors, (except for potty breaks or course) and limit the time your dog is outside in the heat. Even better, bring training and play sessions inside with the air conditioning.
If your determined on enjoying the outdoors with your pooch... choose cooler times of day for your outside adventure and make sure there is plenty of shade and fresh water. Dog's are notorious for tipping those water bowls over make sure they have some to actually drink. Consider a kiddie pool or splash pad for some cooling water fun, you can even add ice to keep it cool and as an added bonus, your dog may enjoy chomping on those low cal, low fat ice cube treats.
And it goes without saying, but NEVER, ever leave your dog unattended in a parked car, even for “just a minute.” Cars like greenhouses, trapping the sun’s heat. So even on a cool day in Texas, when the temperature is a mere 85 degrees outside, the temperature inside your car can increase to 102 degrees in 10 minutes, 120 degrees in 20 minutes. In the summer months...your car is an oven. Tip: Leave your purse in backseat so you don't accidentally forget you brought your fur baby with you
Alternatives for Outside Excursions
You can still keep your furry friend active and entertained without exposing them to excessive heat. Try some of these fabulous indoor enrichment ideas to beat the heat and keep your dog from going stir crazy this summer:
Mental stimulation:
Keeping your dog mentally stimulated is just as important as physical exercise. Brain-teasers and interactive toys are great tools to challenge your dog's problem-solving skills and keep their mind sharp. You can find a variety of toys in pet stores or online that require your dog to think and work for their reward.
Training exercises are also great for mental stimulation. These exercises not only reinforce good behavior but also provide a mental workout for your dog. You can teach your dog new tricks or brush up on cues they already know. Dogs love to learn and show off their new skills. These can be simple tricks like paw shake, wave, roll over, play dead, or more advanced cognition games. The possibilities are endless and its a great opportunity to bond with your furry friend while keeping their mind engaged.
Use their nose!
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, and tapping into this ability can be a rewarding experience for both you and your furry companion. Indoor nose games are an excellent way to engage your dog and provide them with mental stimulation during the hot summer months.
Here's a few games you can play:
The Muffin Tin Game: Place pieces of kibble or treats in a few cups of a muffin tin. Cover each cup with a tennis ball or similar object and encourage your dog to sniff out the treats by removing the balls to access the food. This game is a great way to engage their problem-solving skills and scenting abilities.
The Treat Shuffle: Place a treat under one of several plastic cups placed upside down on the floor. Shuffle the cups around and encourage your dog to use their nose to find the cup with the treat. Reward them when they choose the correct cup.
Snuffle Mat: This is a mat with layers of fabric where you can hide treats or kibble. Allow your dog to use their nose to search and forage through the mat to find the hidden rewards.
Make a Scent Trail: Bring the outdoors inside by rubbing a piece of cloth or towel against a favorite tree, bush or spot of grass to transfer the scent. Create a trail by dragging the scented cloth across the floor, leading to a hidden treat or toy at the end. Your dog will follow the scent trail using their nose to find the reward.
Supervise your dog during these games and ensure they are enjoying themselves without getting frustrated. Reward them when they successfully find the hidden items. These nose games are mentally stimulating and an excellent way to tire out your stir crazy pup.
Work that body
But what about exercise? There are plenty of fun and creative ways to exercise your dog indoors when its too hot to go outside.
Indoor Obstacle Course: Create a fun and challenging obstacle course for your furry friend using everyday household objects. Set up tunnels, low hurdles, pillows, chairs, and other items to create a mini obstacle course. Guide your dog through the course with some tasty treats and let them, jump over obstacles, crawl under chairs, or weave through objects.
Body Awareness and Conditioning exercises Doggie Push-Ups (Burpees): Here's a fun and effective workout for your furry friend. Start by asking your dog to sit, then down, and then stand. Mix it up by asking for a down from a stand or a sit from a down. This exercise routine will help strengthen your dog's core muscles.
Step Stool Pivot: Another incredible way to exercise your dog inside (and develop your dog's body awareness )is the Step Stool Pivot exercise. The activity involves having your dog walk around a step stool, with their front paws on the stool and their back paws on the ground. Although it may seem like an easy task, dogs often lack awareness of their hind end. This game gets your dog thinking about what each paw is doing. If you have a smaller dog, you can use a large, duct-taped book, while an upside-down storage container works best for larger breeds.
Balance Exercises: Teaching your dog to balance on various surfaces is a great way to improve their muscle strength and body awareness. Begin by training your dog to place all four paws on a stable surface, such as an overturned plastic storage bin or step stool. Once your dog has mastered this skill, you can progress to using a balance pad, large cushion or smaller pillow, or even an inflatable exercise disc. The trick here is to use a slightly unstable surface that requires your dog to work harder to maintain their balance.
These exercises not only get your dog out of the heat; but they benefit your dog physically, mentally, and strengthen the bond between the two of you.
Even though our pups may always seem eager for a romp outside, they may not prepared for the summer heat. So as the mercury rises, try some of these fun indoor enrichment ideas and keep your dog nice and cool. If your dog is out in the heat, keep an eye on your furry friend and contact your vet if you notice any of the symptoms of heatstroke- it could save your dog's life.
What other fun things do you do with your dog to beat the heat?
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